Do you tend to look at the glass as “half-full” or “half-empty”? Some people tend to be more optimistic, while others are pessimistic. We can be faced with the same challenging situation, and with our own perspective and differences, we can see these things differently than another person. Do you tend to see the situations you are faced with more as problems or as opportunities?
Matthew 14:13-21 tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. Jesus had just been by himself, but when he approached the town and saw the crowd, he had compassion on them and began healing the sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to Jesus to send the people away because it was getting late and they would need to get food to eat. But Jesus told the disciples that they didn’t need to go away, but for the disciples to get the people something to eat.
Can you imagine the scene? It’s been a long day and the disciples are tired. Jesus didn’t respond to their request to end the day the way they hoped. They were tired and ready to be done for the rest of the evening. And now, they had a problem of feeding this large crowd of people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. But Jesus told them to bring the bread and fish to him. As he gave thanks for what was given, the food was multiplied and a miracle was performed. All the people ate and were satisfied and there were 12 baskets full of leftover pieces.
Just look what God can do! When we only see the problems and limitations, we might miss what God is doing and can do. But when we look to God, he helps us to change our perspective and see the good and the miracles in all he does. He can take the little bit that we offer and turn it into a feast. As we love and serve others, we are reminded of all the ways that we have been blessed. When we take the time to reflect and express what we are grateful for, then we can find we might even be thankful for the problems. Find a way to be grateful today and some of your problems might turn into new opportunities for God to make a huge difference in your life and someone else’s.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministries
